Reactions of monosaccharides

Monosaccharides, the simplest form of carbohydrates, undergo various chemical reactions. Here are two common reactions involving monosaccharides:

1. Oxidation

Monosaccharides can be oxidized to form carboxylic acids. For example:

• Glucose can be oxidized to gluconic acid when treated with a mild oxidizing agent like bromine water.

  Reaction:

  $$\text{Glucose}+{\text{Br}}_2+{\text{H}}_{2}O\to \text{Gluconic acid}+2\text{HBr}$$

2. Glycosidic Bond Formation

Monosaccharides can react with alcohol to form glycosides. This involves the formation of a glycosidic bond between the anomeric carbon of the monosaccharide and the hydroxyl group of the alcohol.

Example:

• Glucose can react with methanol to form methyl glucoside.

Reaction:

$$\text{Glucose}+\text{Methanol}\to \text{Methyl glucoside}+\text{Water}$$

These reactions are fundamental in biochemistry and play important roles in the metabolism and structural formation of larger carbohydrates.